da bet7k： It is clear that Manchester United have identified the top end of the pitch as the area of the team that needs improving during the summer transfer window.

da jogodeouro： The Red Devils have already completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5m, and there are set to be further attacking reinforcements to arrive at Old Trafford.

Man Utd's attempts to bolster their attack

The Brazil international is a strong start to the window for Ruben Amorim, because he produced 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League for the Old Gold in the 2024/25 campaign.

Cunha is a proven performer in the top-flight, as evidenced by his goal contributions over the past nine months, and the former Atletico Madrid star is set to compete for one of the number ten spots behind the striker.

After signing the Brazilian star, Manchester United are also in the market to bring a new number nine to Old Trafford, with Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic reportedly one of the players on their radar.

The Red Devils have also reportedly made an approach to sign Eintracht Frankfurt number nine Hugo Ekitike to bolster their options up front, after the French youngster international plundered 22 goals and 12 assists for the German side in the 2024/25 campaign.

As well as a new striker, Amorim is also in the market to add another number ten option alongside Cunha, with a Premier League star in his crosshairs.

Man Utd have verbal agreement with Premier League star

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have a “verbal agreement” in place with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.

The reporter claims that the Premier League giants are already in talks with the Bees over a deal to sign the Cameroon international, and that he has given his blessing for the clubs to discuss a move.

Plettenberg adds that the Red Devils, who will not be competing in any European competition next season, remain “optimistic” that a deal will go through during the summer transfer window.

The journalist states, however, that Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign the left-footed star, because they have appointed the attacker’s former manager, Thomas Frank.

Spurs are hoping that their new head coach will be able to convince the 25-year-old whiz to make the move to North London to reunite with him, but Manchester United remain optimistic in spite of the fresh competition for his signature.

24/25 Premier League

Matheus Cunha

Bryan Mbeumo

Appearances

33

38

xG

8.63

12.26

Goals

15

20

Big chances created

13

17

Assists

6

7

Dribbles completed per game

1.8

1.3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Amorim would have two Premier League-proven attackers to deploy as the two number tens behind his new striker in the top-flight next season if the club sign the Brentford star alongside Cunha.

Mbeumo, who was once hailed as “unplayable” by Frank, created a whopping 17 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that he would be the perfect signing for any new number nine, as he can consistently put opportunities on a plate for them.

Related After Cunha: Man Utd join race for "red-hot" £47m Bryan Mbeumo clone

Man United need new forwards to improve Ruben Amorim’s team.

Posts

It is now down to the club to ensure that they do not lose to Spurs in the race to sign the Brentford star in the coming weeks, as he could be a terrific addition to their attacking arsenal.

da dobrowin： Chelsea are set to try and ship out a host of different fringe players over the coming two months, as BlueCo look to trim their wage bill and keep in line with PSR regulations by raising funds.

da esoccer bet： Enzo Maresca’s side have done excellently to navigate their way around financial roadblocks to strengthen the squad consistently, ever since Clearlake Capital’s takeover of the club three years ago.

Related Chelsea looking to negotiate cut-price deal for £68m star who Maresca wants

The Blues appear poised to open talks.

Posts

However, if they’re not successful in offloading certain squad members, this task will be made all the more difficult.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, who are on a combined salary of around £525,000-per-week, are back at Cobham after their 2024/2025 loan spells at Arsenal and Crystal Palace respectively.

Chelsea will want to find new homes for the England international duo sooner rather than later, and they could be joined by Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi, who are all thought to be on the club’s ‘for sale’ list (The Athletic).

Chelsea could even sell Noni Madueke this summer, despite the Englishman being called one of Maresca’s “best players”, while striker Nicolas Jackson’s future is also up in the air.

There is also the curious case of Renato Veiga, who left Chelsea for Juventus on a loan deal midway through the season, mainly due to his determination to play as a centre-back rather than a full-back in Maresca’s system.

“I had a chat with Renato. I told him playing in the position he’s playing with us, it’s given him the chance to join the national team and created speculation around him, which only happens when you’re playing well,” said Maresca on Veiga’s dissatisfaction in the full-back role earlier this season.

“If there is a player that wants to play in just one position, they are going to struggle. They have to learn to play in different positions because it’s a good thing for the player and the club.”

Renato Veiga "surprised" by Chelsea decision with sale possible

As per journalist Graeme Bailey, after returning from his loan spell at Juve, Veiga was left “very surprised” by Chelsea’s decision to omit him from the Club World Cup squad.

What’s more, it hasn’t been ruled out that the defender could be one of a five-man defensive exodus before deadline day – with Veiga, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin, Benoit Badiashile and Disasi all on the chopping block.

“It’s a fascinating situation with Veiga, he was very surprised he wasn’t included in the Club World Cup squad,” said Bailey.

“There were indications from Chelsea that he would get a chance in a left-sided centre-back role — but Chelsea have so many centre-backs it’s staggering, and they still want more.

“It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Chalobah, Tosin, Badiashile, Disasi and Veiga could all be sold.

“People keep asking why Chelsea can spend so much money, well, there’s five reasons why PSR isn’t a concern.

“But Veiga had a really good time at Juventus, playing at centre-back. And that’s why he left Chelsea on loan in the first place, he didn’t want to be a left-back, even if he was quite good at it.

“Chelsea were happy with him on the left but he turned up at Stamford Bridge wanting to be a centre-back. Now he’s gone to Juventus, played well, and he thought he’d done enough to warrant a spot at the Club World Cup to prove himself as a centre-back.”

da bet nacional： Might Unai Emery be preparing for life at Aston Villa without mercurial striker Ollie Watkins?

da bet vitoria： The Englishman has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United, according to a report from the Athletic earlier this week.

Ollie Watkins’ Aston Villa statistics

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

54

17

14

2023/24

53

27

15

2022/23

40

16

6

2021/22

36

11

2

2020/21

40

16

5

Via Transfermarkt

He is valued at around £60m by Villa and the report says that a deal would only develop towards the end of the transfer window.

Emery will be keen on bringing in a potential replacement or two should Watkins seek a move elsewhere, that’s for sure.

Could the Spaniard reignite a swoop for a player he was aiming to sign last summer?

Aston Villa’s search for a forward

Across the transfer window so far, Villa have been linked with various forwards. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson emerged as a target, as too Porto sensation Samu Aghehowa.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

Much depends on how much Emery will need to spend to sign either one this summer, as the club could be priced out of moves for both.

As such, he has returned to a target whom the club came close to signing last summer. According to reports in Turkey (via Sport Witness), Villa are once again chasing a move for Semih Kılıçsoy, with talks having got underway.

The Besiktas forward looked like he could join Villa last year, but the Turkish outfit rejected their offer. 12 months later, however, the youngster might well seal his dream move.

Besiktas are looking for offers in the region of €15m (£13m) and this would allow Emery to sign a talented striker for a knockdown price. Could he become his new Watkins at Villa?

Why Aston Villa must sign Semih Kılıçsoy

Since joining Villa in 2020, the former Brentford striker has racked up 87 goals and 42 assists across 223 matches for the club.

Last season, he netted 16 Premier League goals, yet this was down from his tally of 19 the season prior.

He will turn 30 in December and if Emery can get £60m for him, it would be a shrewd piece of business.

Kılıçsoy, on the other hand, is only 19 and has an extraordinarily bright future ahead. He made his breakthrough in the 2023/24 campaign, registering 12 goals and three assists for Besiktas, emerging as one of the next big talents in European football.

Progress stalled slightly last term, as only eight goal involvements were recorded, but it looks as though a fresh start is required for the teenager.

Hailed as part of the “golden trio” alongside Mustafa Hekimoğlu and Demir Ege Tıknaz by talent scout Jacek Kulig in August 2024, Kılıçsoy has the potential to be a wonderful signing for Villa.

When compared to his peers in the Europa League last term, the Turkish starlet not only ranked in the top 12% for shot-creating actions (3.46), but he also ranked in the top 9% for successful take-ons (1.95) per 90 in the competition.

While goals and assists are his trademarks, the teenager can also dribble effortlessly into dangerous areas and create chances for others.

He is certainly still raw, but as long-term prospects go, Kılıçsoy is as exciting as they come.

Related Aston Villa now leading race for £17m defender; pushing to get deal done

The Villans are at the front of the queue for the signature of a player they have been scouting over the past few weeks.

Posts

da betsson： Tottenham are an extremely attractive potential destination after their Europa League triumph last season, with the prospect of Champions League football and helping to usher in Thomas Frank’s new era proving a real temptation.

Related Boost for Tottenham: Spurs hopeful £60m star who Frank loves will sign

There has been a positive update in Spurs’ pursuit of an “exceptional” player…

Posts

da cassino： Frank and Spurs are already 10 days into pre-season training, as they prepare for their first friendly matches of the summer against Reading this Saturday and Luton Town a week later.

The Lilywhites then travel to Hong Kong and South Korea for their Asia pre-season tour, where they’ll be taking on north London rivals Arsenal in their first-ever derby match outside the UK on July 31, before facing off against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Bayern Munich will come as their last warm-up game of the summer before the competitive action starts, with Spurs braced for a blockbuster UEFA Super Cup clash against fellow European champions PSG midway through August.

Whilst manager Frank assesses his new team on the pitch, chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange are set to remain at work on restructuring the squad ahead of what will be a crucial Premier League season.

Tottenham have already backed Frank with the signing of Mathys Tel on a £30 million permanent deal from Bayern Munich, a £5 million move for Japanese sensation Kota Takai and the signing of star winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

After Kudus, Spurs were also set to sign Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, who was meant to have a medical last Friday, but the potential £60 million transfer is now being held up.

Forest are taking legal action against Frank’s side over what they perceive to be an illegal approach for the 25-year-old, which has seriously delayed his move down south, even though there remains an expectation that Gibbs-White will eventually seal his move to Spurs.

Those within Forest reportedly believe that they’ll be forced to green-light the Englishman’s transfer to Tottenham (Alasdair Gold), but for now, Spurs supporters are having to wait for further confirmation of their stunning £115 million Kudus and Gibbs-White double-deal.

Morgan Gibbs-White "clear" he wants to join Tottenham

Gibbs-White was a key attacking star at the City Ground last term, playing a major role in their qualification for Europe with seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League alone, but he’s extremely keen to start a new chapter with Spurs.

As per TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Gibbs-White has informed Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis of his firm desire to join Tottenham – making his stance “clear” behind-the-scenes amid this delay.

The former Wolves star, who Forest signed for around £43m in 2022, was forced to return to training on Monday morning as he waits for his London move to go through.

Marinakis is said to be “furious” over how Tottenham knew about Gibbs-White’s release clause, which is why Forest are complaining, but given it exists, there is little they can do to stop the player’s exit.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are confident they’ll get Gibbs-White done and dusted soon, but it is a “tense” ongoing situation.

da bet7： For all the criticism of their transfer policy in recent years, if there’s one thing Chelsea have done well, it’s investing in young, promising talents.

da aviator aposta： For example, Liam Delap is still just 22 years old, Jamie Gittens is 21, Marc Guiu is 19, and the incredibly exciting Estevao is just 18.

The Blues have a squad bursting with phenoms, but they aren’t the only ones, as London rivals Arsenal have seen their own batch of youngsters burst onto the scene over the last year or so.

Arguably the most exciting has been Myles Lewis-Skelly, who went from winding up Erling Haaland on the sidelines to starting and scoring for England in the space of half a season.

So, the Stamford Bridge faithful should be delighted over reports linking Chelsea to another future superstar who could be Enzo Maresca’s own version of the Gunners star.

Chelsea's window so far

On top of the names already mentioned, Chelsea have continued to sign exciting talents this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

Mamdou Sarr, who is just 19, joined the club from partner club Strasbourg for a fee of around £12m early last month after making 28 first-team appearances last season.

Also, last month, the club splashed around £18m on 20-year-old Dario Essugo, who spent last season on loan at Las Palmas from Sporting CP.

However, while both players could end up having a great career in West London, it is still hard to be sure about whether they will succeed at the very top, which doesn’t seem to be the case for the club’s latest target: Jorrel Hato.

Yes, according to a recent report from Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are still very much interested in the Ajax star this summer.

In fact, Jacobs has revealed that the West Londoners have held fresh talks with the player’s camp over a potential transfer.

Interestingly, even though the Amsterdam outfit have been quoting teams a £60m price tag, Jacobs has revealed that an offer of £40m should suffice.

It would still be a lot to spend on a teenager, but Hato has been brilliant for some time and could end up being Chelsea’s answer to Lewis-Skelly.

Why Hato could be Chelsea's Lewis-Skelly

So, when people talk about Lewis-Skelly, what are the themes that usually emerge?

Generally, it’s how he plays well beyond his years, how well he has adapted to senior football, and that he’s been so good at left-back that he might remain in this position for some time.

These are all things that could be said about Hato and then some.

For example, despite still being just 19 years old, the Dutchman has established himself as one of Ajax’s most essential players.

Since making his debut back in February 2023, at just 16 years old, he has played 111 matches for the first team, scoring four goals, providing nine assists, and even wearing the captain’s armband on three occasions.

Hato’s senior record

Appearances

111

Starts

102

Minutes

9121′

Goals

4

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.11

Minutes per Goal Involvement

701.61′

Points per Game

1.86

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Additionally, he surpasses the Englishman in terms of national team appearances, having won six caps since making his debut at 17 years old in November 2023.

Finally, on top of showing the same grit and determination as the Arsenal star, the “immense” Rotterdam-born gem, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also at least somewhat versatile.

He may primarily play at left-back today, but he started as a centre-back and can still fill in there when needed.

Ultimately, it might be a lot of money for someone so young, but just like Lewis-Skelly, Hato already feels like a seasoned professional, and it’s incredibly exciting to think about how good he could be in a few years from now.

Related PL rivals eyeing £100m Chelsea star; his exit could make room for Ekitike

It would be wise of Chelsea to cash in and upgrade.

Posts

da fazobetai： Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to make headway in the Premier League and Champions League next season, all the while challenging for further silverware in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

da blaze casino： They’ve got a taste for that winning feeling, you see, and while Ange Postecoglou was sacked in June, we left with his head held high, a hero, the manager who came and conquered after so many were thwarted before him.

In Thomas Frank, though, Spurs have the perfect successor, bringing structured organisation and dynamic balance, but also a pragmatism that was lacking under Ange’s wing.

While Mohammed Kudus has already been reeled in, Tottenham are hoping to sign another creative midfielder, with several names lined up.

Spurs sounding out attacking midfielders

Only one week ago, it looked as if Tottenham were on the cusp of signing Morgan Gibbs-White. But Nottingham Forest allege the Lilywhites made an unlawful approach.

While work is being done to get that one over the line, Tottenham have since set up contingencies, with RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons the centre of talks between the outfits, though Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested.

Elsewhere, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Tottenham are hugely keen on striking a deal for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, 24, who is expected to be on the move this summer.

Newcastle United and Forest are also keen on a deal, with Villa reported to have set a price of £50m for their homegrown midfielder.

Why Spurs want Jacob Ramsey

Last summer, Tottenham explored a player-plus-cash move for Ramsey, with Giovani Lo Celso heading the other way. That never came to fruition.

At 24, Ramsey is entering the prime years of his career, but having made 167 appearances for Aston Villa, his boyhood club, he’s struggling for purchase in Unai Emery’s plans.

At his best, Ramsey is lively and slippery and exciting. Statman Dave once noted his “magic” technical qualities, and that sense of wonder could lead him right to a new chapter down N17, buoyed by the knowledge that Tottenham’s vested interest winds right the way back through the previous campaign and into the 2024 summer window.

If Frank succeeds in unlocking those powers, he might have a cut-price alternative to the likes of Simons on his hands, who may yet restore his finest form, perhaps expand it to something not yet witnessed.

The diminutive Dutchman has scored 21 goals and supplied 23 assists across 71 matches for Leipzig, with talent scout Jacek Kulig even suggesting that the playmaker is “destined for greatness”.

After a couple of frustrating seasons in the Premier League, Ramsey doesn’t have the same hype around this name, but there’s little question that he has what it takes to level back up; the dynamic midfielder, after all, ranked among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion, as per FBref.

Jacob Ramsey – Premier League Stats by Season

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

29 (19)

1

3

23/24

16 (8)

1

1

22/23

35 (31)

6

7

21/22

34 (29)

6

1

20/21

22 (6)

0

0

Data via Transfermarkt

He’s shown before an aptitude for clinical performances, and that could swell larger in a new project at Tottenham, with Frank’s tactical prowess sure to take his development to the next level.

Ramsey might not have the reputation or accomplishments of Simons, but he’s got so much more to give and could prove a shrewd signing indeed, as well as playing in similar positions to the Dutchman, either as an attacking midfielder or on the flanks, drifting into central positions.

Related He's "better" than Rice: Spurs hold talks to sign "world-class" CM

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land their own version of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

Posts 2

da winzada777： With Aaron Ramsdale set to hand Newcastle United a much-needed upgrade between the sticks, PIF have now reportedly set their sights on another key defensive addition.

Newcastle ramping up business with Ramsdale deal in place

da fazobetai： He may not be James Trafford, but Ramsdale is an England international who has played at the highest level at Arsenal and has a wealth of experience all throughout the Premier League. Set to welcome the Southampton star on loan with an option to buy, those at St James’ Park are about to get their first deal over the line since Anthony Elanga in what has been a transfer window full of frustration.

Having worked together during their time at Bournemouth, Eddie Howe will be well aware of the talent that Ramsdale has to offer his Newcastle side. It’s worth noting that it wasn’t so long ago that the England international was Arsenal’s first-choice in the middle of a title race against Manchester City. That’s the level he’s capable of and that’s the level he could offer Newcastle in the coming campaign.

But even Newcastle will admit that their spending simply cannot end there. Putting their potential Alexander Isak problem to one side for the moment, the Magpies still need another central defender this summer.

Related He's like Isak & Wissa: Newcastle in talks to sign "monster" £65m striker

Newcastle United target a new striker as their replacement for Liverpool-bound Alexander Isak

Posts

It doesn’t look as though Marc Guehi will be the man to solve that problem, either. Despite eyeing his arrival since last year, Newcastle could once again lose out on a key target to a Liverpool side who are enjoying an almighty spending spree.

If that does prove to be the case, however, then PIF could move to sign an impressive alternative to the Crystal Palace man.

PIF now eyeing Piero Hincapie move

According to reports in Spain, PIF are now eyeing a move to sign Piero Hincapie if they fail to sign Guehi for Newcastle this summer. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is reportedly valued at just €40m (£35m), which is cheaper than the £45m that Crystal Palace are reportedly demanding to sell their own star defender in the next month.

At just 23 years old, there’s a valid argument that Hincapie would provide Newcastle with a better reinforcement than Guehi. The Leverkusen man boasts Champions League experience over the England star and even has an invincible Bundesliga title win to his name.

A “great player” and “aggressive” defender, according to former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, Hincapie could prove to be quite the coup for Newcastle if they push on and secure his signature this summer.

da realsbet： There’s no denying that West Ham United look a little light with the 2025/26 Premier League season just two weeks away, even after the defensive acquisitions of Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadj Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.

da pixbet： Mohammed Kudus has not yet been replaced after completing a controversial £55m switch to Tottenham Hotspur, and Crysencio Summerville remains injured after sustaining a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the final 18 games of the term.

However, Lucas Paqueta’s absolution from wrongdoing in a two-year-long spot-fixing case marks a galvanising lift and potentially the catalyst for change. A turning point.

However, the Irons still need more, and no mistake. Paqueta is a high-level playmaker, but he could with a foil, someone to shoulder his burden at times.

And Potter has got the perfect young star in his sights.

West Ham lining up more attacking quality

Skipper Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s offensive linchpin, but he needs some help in the final third after a rather uninspiring 2024/25 as a collective.

Goalscoring quality remains a pressing issue, but United averaged just 1.53 goal-creating actions per 90 last term, as per FBref, which surpassed only the three relegated sides.

As such, Potter may look to complete a move for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who is anticipated to leave Anfield this summer, having been limited for playing time under Arne Slot.

Football Insider report that the Hammers are ready to make their move, pushing ahead with plans to sign the £50m-rated midfielder.

Elliott, 22, has held talks with a number of suitors, and West Ham are joined by Newcastle United and Tottenham, among others, in their intrigue.

Why West Ham want Harvey Elliott

Though Elliott struggled for match action at Liverpool last season, he still managed to showcase his ability on numerous occasions, notably scoring in three successive Champions League fixtures.

A diminutive and versatile midfielder, Elliott’s technical ability on the ball serves as the staple of his skill set, with one-time Liverpool U18s head coach Neil Critchley praising his ability to create “magic” through his passing.

As per FBref, the England U21 international ranked last season among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goal involvements, passes attempted and progressive passes, as well as the top 15% for goal-creating actions per 90.

Thus, Elliott’s potential to become a special player for a team like West Ham is underscored, and he could even rekindle the finest form of Bowen, who still wrapped up the latest campaign with a respectable haul of 13 goals and ten assists in the Premier League.

Elliott came up trumps through the 2023/24 campaign, providing plenty of creative support as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool struggled against a slew of unfortunate injuries.

Harvey Elliott – Liverpool Stats by Season (all comps)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

28

5

3

23/24

53

4

14

22/23

46

5

2

21/22

11

1

0

*20/21

1

0

1

19/20

8

0

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

He has the tenacity and winning mentality, inculcated in him through his years on Merseyside, to combine with Bowen, who is a spirit-lifting star in his own right.

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino once said that Bowen is “direct and he’s a bit like Salah” when discussing the complete forwards’ fast rise at the London Stadium, and this only strengthens the case for him being a dream partner for Elliott.

Landing Elliott would be a statement signing, all right, and perhaps what West Ham need to hit their stride and return to the forefront next season.

Related Potter's new Bissouma: West Ham accelerate move for "outstanding" £20m star

West Ham want to sign at least one midfielder this summer

Posts 1

da heads bet： Up until yesterday, this summer was shaping up to be pretty much perfect for Chelsea.

da blaze casino： Enzo Marsca’s side looked brilliant on the pitch, and the board were making excellent additions to the squad off of it.

However, it’s now been confirmed that Levi Colwill has suffered an ACL injury and will miss the majority of next season.

The only good news is that there is still time for the club to bring in a replacement, and while they’ve been linked with Marc Guehi in the past, reports suggest they are looking at someone else entirely.

Chelsea target Guehi alternative

Chelsea have been linked with Guehi for quite some time now, with serious reports touting him for a move back to the club as far back as last summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

Those stories have remained fairly constant this summer as well, with some claiming that the Englishman could be available for a fee of around £43m.

However, while the Crystal Palace star could be a smart signing in the current circumstances, it now looks like the Blues are eyeing another international defender to replace Colwill.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are interested in Ronald Araujo.

The report has revealed that the Uruguayan defender is someone who has been discussed by the West Londoners and is now seen as ‘one of the main options’ to come in and strengthen the backline.

Interestingly, despite renewing his contract in January, the story claims that Barcelona would be willing to let the 26-year-old leave this summer for a fee of around €50m, which is about £43m.

While that’s still a lot of money, this feels like a transfer worth pursuing for Chelsea, especially as Araujo could be the perfect replacement for Colwill.

Why Araujo would be a great signing

So, there will be some of you out there who might make the point that Chelsea have only just signed Jorrel Hato, and so there is surely no need for another defender to come in and cover for Colwill.

However, while that is a fair point and we have no doubt the Ducthman will develop into a future superstar, he’s still just 19 years old and has no experience of playing in a top-five league.

Therefore, instead of placing an immense amount of pressure on the teenager and potentially hampering his long-term development, it makes far more sense to go out and sign a proven defender who has played at the highest level for some time now, someone like Araujo.

Araujo’s Barça record

Appearances

175

Starts

141

Minutes

12926′

Goals

10

Assists

7

Points per Game

2.15

La Liga Titles

2

Copa del Reys

2

Super Cups

2

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, the defensive “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Raj Chohan, has made 175 appearances for Barcelona, of which 141 have been starts, and he’s racked up a pretty good tally of ten goals and seven assists in those games.

Moreover, he’s helped the Catalans win two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two Spanish Super Cups, so he would bring a real know-how to Stamford Bridge that’s been lacking in recent years.

On top of his impressive experience and record, the Rivera-born titan can also play as both a centre-back and a right-back, meaning he’d give Maresca some extra tactical flexibility.

Finally, the 6 foot 2 ace is more than just a defensive wall, as he’s got several seriously impressive attacking underlying numbers to his name.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals and goals plus assists, the top 2% for goal-creating actions from shots, the top 4% for non-penalty expected goals and the top 9% for total progressive carrying distance, all per 90.

Ultimately, losing Colwill is a massive blow, but Chelsea can help mitigate that blow by going all out and signing Araujo this summer.

Related He'd be unplayable with Simons: Chelsea agree terms with £40m "superstar"

The dynamic international could develop into something special at Chelsea.

Posts

da cassino： Arsenal are now very serious about signing a “world-class” star in a loan-to-buy deal, as he is protected by a massive release clause, according to a report.

Gunners still keen to strengthen in attack

da aposte e ganhe： Viktor Gyokeres got off to a dream start in an Arsenal shirt, scoring on his debut in a 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, while Mikel Arteta has also waxed lyrical about Noni Madueke since the former Chelsea man’s arrival.

Arteta said: “He’s a real threat, I wouldn’t want to play against him and we want to find something else and playing with natural-footed players, he’s going to give us that solution.”

However, with the new Premier League campaign edging ever closer, the Gunners remain keen on strengthening their attacking options, and there have been suggestions they are now closing in on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.

With a deal for Eze set to be on the expensive side, the north Londoners may not have much money left to spend this summer, which could be why they are looking at signing a different attacker in a loan-to-buy deal.

That is according to a report from Spanish media, which states Arsenal are now very serious about signing Rodrygo, having made plans to sign the Real Madrid forward on an initial loan deal, which could include a mandatory purchase clause.

The Brazilian is thought to be valued at around the €90m (£77m) mark, although he is also protected by a €1bn (£866m) release clause, which showcases how highly the forward was regarded by the Spanish club when signing his most recent contract.

Related Berta eyes bid as Inter fear Arsenal will hijack "world class" player

Arsenal are looking to further add to their attacking depth.

Posts

The 24-year-old’s high wage demands have also proved to be prohibitive in the past, so it could be difficult for the Gunners to get a deal over the line.

"World-class" Rodrygo could flourish at the Emirates

The Brazil international is clearly the type of proven top-level player who could elevate Arsenal’s standards and help them finally win a major trophy, having proven himself in a Madrid shirt over a number of years.

The former Santos man has now chalked up 270 appearances for the Spanish giants, during which time he’s picked up 68 goals and 51 assists, and he is also vastly experienced in the Champions League, scoring 25 goals in the elite competition.

That said, while he has been lauded as “world-class” by Luka Modric, there are doubts over whether the Osasco-born forward is a necessary signing, given that Arsenal have already splashed the cash this summer, signing Madueke and Gyokeres to bolster their attacking options.

With Eze looking increasingly likely to move to north London too, it may only be possible to sign Rodrygo on a loan-to-buy deal, and a deal of that nature may not appeal to Madrid, given that it wouldn’t be immediately beneficial.